Checking the Accuracy of the CORE Wearable in Hot Weather Workouts

In a recent study, researchers put the CORE wearable sensor to the test to see how well it measures body temperature during exercise in hot conditions. The device aims to estimate core body temperature without invasive methods, which is crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses during physical activity or outdoor jobs.

Study Details

• Participants: 24 healthy individuals (both men and women)
• Exercise: Cycling for an hour at a moderate intensity
• Environment: Hot conditions (35.9°C with 20.7% humidity)

Key Findings

Comparison with Standard Methods

• The CORE sensor's readings were compared to those from a rectal probe (standard method) and a skin surface probe.
• The CORE sensor slightly overestimated core body temperature throughout the exercise, though this overestimation was not statistically significant overall.
• During the latter half of the exercise, the overestimation became more pronounced and statistically significant.

Skin Temperature Overestimation

• The CORE sensor consistently overestimated skin temperature by a significant margin throughout the entire exercise.
• This overestimation of skin temperature might be contributing to the device's bias in estimating core body temperature.

Influence of Body Composition

• The amount of subcutaneous fat at the sensor's placement site was positively correlated with the extent of the overestimation.
• People with more fat in the area where the sensor is placed might experience less accurate temperature estimates.

Conclusion

While the CORE sensor is generally accurate, it tends to overestimate core body temperature during prolonged exercise in hot conditions. The overestimation of skin temperature and the presence of subcutaneous fat seem to play a role in this bias. Therefore, while the CORE sensor is a useful tool, its readings might not be perfectly precise, especially for those with more subcutaneous fat or during intense exercise in hot environments.